Fields: Locating medical marijuana dispensaries

I was shocked when I heard discussions about special zoning for a dispensary that would have it tucked neatly away from the NIMBYs in residential and business districts in Framingham. I understand that idea's been scrapped...for now.

Milford Daily News

Writer

Posted Apr. 2, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 2, 2013 at 2:15 AM

Posted Apr. 2, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 2, 2013 at 2:15 AM

FRAMINGHAM

» Social News

I was shocked when I heard discussions about special zoning for a dispensary that would have it tucked neatly away from the NIMBYs in residential and business districts in Framingham. I understand that idea's been scrapped...for now.

But I'd like you to take a moment to consider the type of clients you'd see visiting a cannabis dispensary. Are you imagining street people and teens looking for a high? Health insurance doesn't cover medical cannabis, and it's expensive, so they'll be people who can afford the out of pocket expense. You'll see all kinds of adults...doctors, lawyers, business owners, plumbers, housewives, teachers, laborers and more. They'll be our grandparents, parents, siblings, adult children, beloved friends and neighbors. (Perhaps, if the need arises, even you!)

They will not be looking for a high but for relief from the pain of debilitating conditions and from the nausea caused by chemotherapy for cancer. Are those the people we need to relegate to the bowels of the town as though they're junkies?

We already have dispensaries for far more potent drugs: anti-psychotics, uppers, downers, Schedule I Controlled Substances (highly addictive narcotics), etc. Some of those dispensaries' customers are quite likely even abusing drugs. What do we call those dens of iniquity? Pharmacies.

I suggest that a dispensary for medical marijuana needs exactly the same kind of zoning, regulation, and oversight as a Walgreens or CVS.